Lately I've started bringing my camera into training and recording the randori sessions we have at the end of class. I just put the thing on a bench, aim it at the mats hit record and then forget about it. Later on when I'm at home I'll watch it through once or twice and make a few mental notes about what I did wrong and right, and what changes I need to make.

There are a few things I've noticed in the video - some of them old problems I knew about, some of them new things I hadn't thought about. Also I'm trying to add some new throws to my repertoire, and it's nice to be able to see what happened when an attempt succeed or failed.

Anyway, this brings me to my question. Does anyone here put much emphasis on using video? Do you have any recommendations on how to get the most out of it? What do you record - sparring, drilling, something else? Any tips on set-up, analysis, or keeping records?

EDIT: Could a mod put a question mark into my title please? Right now I suppose it could be interpreted like the thread is supposed to give instructions, instead of asking questions.

1/19/2013 8:38am,

CrackFox

I'm not really looking for a critique of my performance in the video. I'm looking for advice on how to use video.

If it would make a difference I could post some just to show the kind of stuff I'm recording, but the problem is that I don't know how everyone else in the class would feel about being on the internet.

(Also for some reason I've recorded in super high rez and getting it online is a pain in the arse.)

1/19/2013 10:51am,

CrackFox

Ok, on further consideration, the above post sounds like I'm being evasive, and considering how recent threads where people won't post footage have gone, I guess I'd better post something.

I have never used video but I would be recording both sparring and drilling so that you can critique both and get others to critique both. Seeing yourself drilling a move could point out flaws in technique as well as showing you how you are changing your movement pattern in sparring as opposed to drilling.

I would also show the video to people more advanced then you as they could point out issues you might not even be aware of.

Are you just recording on a digital camera? I have been considering doing this for a little while so I am curious.

1/19/2013 12:32pm,

CrackFox

Quote:

Originally Posted by judojeff

Are you just recording on a digital camera? I have been considering doing this for a little while so I am curious.

Yeah, I just flash the thing about at the start of class, and ask if anyone has a problem with recording stuff. Then I put it back in my bag and once everyone forgets about it, I stick it in the inconspicuously in corner and hit record.

1/19/2013 12:37pm,

judojeff

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrackFox

Yeah, I just flash the thing about at the start of class, and ask if anyone has a problem with recording stuff. Then I put it back in my bag and once everyone forgets about it, I stick it in the inconspicuously in corner and hit record.

Sweet, have you run into any issues with battery life?

1/19/2013 12:43pm,

CrackFox

Yeah, it's a still camera and video is a secondary function - battery isn't great. Also it's limited to 20 minute long files, so if I want to take any more I need to start it up again. I don't think my coach would be thrilled if I kept fiddling with the camera during class, which is why I just do randori.

1/21/2013 4:55pm,

CrackFox

Well today didn't work out great. I forgot to clear the SD card I was using, which combined with the fact that I forgot to switch off the default hi-def settings, meant that the thing cut out. Twice.

On top of that, there were people standing right in front of the camera half the time that it was running.

Also I got a bit of a telling off for messing with the camera when I should have been lining up for randori.

Anyway, it doesn't look like anyone has much more to say about the actual use of video, so I may as well throw the floor open for critique of my actual judo technique.

1/23/2013 12:32pm,

Azatdawn

Is there any way for you to have someone who is maybe resting for a bit recording you while doing randori? The very few times I've had people record my sparring, I felt that it was better to have someone holding the camera and being able to change angles and get closer etc. to get a better look at everything later.

1/23/2013 4:01pm,

CrackFox

There's usually at most one guy resting each round, so they'd have to change over each time. Also it kind of makes it very obvious the camera is there, and I don't think the coach would like that.